Suggest Treatment For Severe Acid Reflux With Back Pain

Posted on Mon, 17 Apr 2017

Question: I'm having extreme acid reflux with back pain. It's been going on for 5 days. I am on Prilosec after having an EGD more than 10 years ago. I've tried every thing possible and nothing is giving me relief. My doctor is out of town this week. I am a 71 year old female. I'm in extreme pain. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cardio-vascular issues should be ruled out too...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

I am sorry for the health problems with acid reflux you are going through.

I need to have a few more details regarding the pain you are having:
- where is it located apart back pain? stomach (epigaster)?
- are you having distended tum?
- is the pain getting worse after you eat? when you exercise or run a physical activity?
- are you also having difficulty in breathing?

As the pain is not getting better although the treatment for 5 days now, then, I advise to go to ER for immediate evaluation and treatment. I want to make sure you are not having cardio-vascular event.

All the best.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

To answer some of your questions:

The back pain is in the middle of my back. Putting heat on it seems to help.
Yes, my tummy feels distended. I feel like a balloon about to explode.
I have eaten very little in the past 5 days as the reflux does get worse. I've been drinking lots of water, eating toast and saltine crackers, very little else.
I don't know how it feels after I excercise, because I haven't felt up to doing ANYTHING! I have not been having difficulty breathing. My lipids are normal as I am on statins. My last EKG two years ago was normal. I am overweight and working with my doctor to get me to the gym!

None

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Home remedies for acid reflux until you see your doctor....

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Ok, then, following are some advice to give relief from acid reflux until you see your doctor on Monday 27th:
- chew up a chewing gum for 30 minutes after meal. That will help clear off the acid from your stomach
- continue taking gaviscon (or even baking soda) after meal or when you feel the pain
- find licorice tablets at the food store, and take one tablet before meal. Licorice contains natural healing properties of the stomach
- Drink half a cup of aloe vera juice before meals; remember to choose that juice that is free of laxative (they have been removed)
- sleep on the left side
- avoid lying down after meals; instead, do some house work just to move around to help your stomach empty better

Hope this advice will help until you see your doctor.
Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar